Top 5 Reasons for Apache Junction Automotive Accidents

Automotive accidents are common. Statistically speaking, you’re more likely to get into a car accident than you are to get bit by a shark or to experience a break-in. Even minor fenders benders can cause enough collision damage to require expensive body repair or to cause serious injury.

By learning some safe driving tips, you can reduce your risk on the road. By learning some of the common causes of accidents in Arizona, you can learn defensive driving tactics and minimize your risk of having to head to a certified auto body shop for a big repair bill. Here are the top five reasons for automotive accidents in Apache Junction:

1. Drunk Driving

Drinking and driving significantly increases the risk to everyone on the road. The group Mothers Against Drunk Driving estimates that 300,000 incidents of drunk driving happen every day, and more than 1.4 million drivers were arrested on suspension of drunk driving in 2010.

If you see cars that are acting erratically on the road, slow down and create as much distance as possible between you. Report any erratic driving that you believe might be the result of driver impairment.

2. Speeding

We’ve all been guilty of driving too quickly when we are in a hurry, like when we are late to work or we’re dealing with an emergency. Yet driving even 5 to 10 miles over the speed limit can increase your risk on the road by decreasing your ability to react to obstacles quickly and increasing your likelihood of losing control.

Again, steer clear of any vehicles that are speeding and report those vehicles to police. If someone is tail gating you or driving erratically to pass, just get in the right lane or pull to the side of the road to let the person pass.

3. Distracted Driving

Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving are the most common causes of distracted driving, but it can also included eating while driving, listening to the radio, or even rubber necking at other accidents or road work.

Do your part by keeping your phone on silent while you drive and keeping your eyes on the road. Look out for erratic drivers and avoid them.

4. Aggressive Driving

You’ve probably experienced aggressive driving at least once — someone following you too closely, someone swerving behind you to try to get you to get out of the lane, someone cutting you off in traffic, or someone refusing to let you merge. You might feel tempted to react in kind to these offenses, but doing so can be dangerous. Take the high road and step back from these situations when they occur. You could save your life.

5. Weather

Arizona’s monsoon season doesn’t just wreak havoc on your tanning plans; it also makes it much more dangerous on the road. Avoid driving during heavy storms if you can. If you have to drive, make sure you drive much slower and give yourself a longer stopping distance. Take even more caution than you would with dry conditions.